How to Choose a Dog House

If your dog will be spending any amount of time outdoors, he'll need adequate shelter from the elements. Although your dog is probably happiest when he's spending time indoors with you, the fresh air and sunshine he's exposed to when he's outdoors can be healthy. To ensure your dog is protected from the weather when he spends time outside you'll want to choose the best dog house for your pet.

The dog house you choose should be placed in a fenced in backyard with a fence sufficient in height to prevent your dog from escaping. Fill in any holes or defects in the fence that might allow your dog to venture outside the boundaries you've set for him. The dog house you select should be placed away from the fence so your dog can't climb upon it and escape.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when you choose a dog house:

Consider your dog's size.

Your dog should have enough room to be able to turn completely around inside his house but not so much room that there's wasted space. Dogs like to have a snug house and this will allow him to preserve heat better on cold days.

Consider the weather patterns where you live.

Do you live in an area with lots of snow and colder weather? Ideally, your dog will be sheltered inside during periods of cold. If this isn't always practical, you may consider purchasing a heated dog house for your dog. You can also purchase heated pads and dog beds to place on the floor of your dog's house. These can be found by doing an online search.

If you live in area with hot days are the norm, you may want to consider purchasing an air conditioned dog house. If this is cost prohibitive, choose a dog house that is well ventilated and place it in the coolest area of your yard. Be sure to provide your dog with lots of fresh water.

Choose a dog house that's easy to clean.

A metal or plastic dog house may be easier to clean than one made of wood. With metal or plastic you should be able to use the hose to remove any dirt or debris that collects in the house.

Consider the safety of your dog.

Be sure to choose a design that has soft, rounded edges to avoid having your dog sustain a laceration when he bumps up against the corner of his house.

Other practical considerations

It's also important to consider how easy a particular dog house will be to set up and how easy it will be to move if you should need to transfer it to a new location. The plastic igloo style of dog house tends to be easy to set up and move since its lightweight.

Consider cost.

If you're limited on funds but have good handyman skills, you may want to consider building a dog house for your dog out of wood you already have available. A dog house made of wood can be quite durable if its pressure treated to prevent moisture damage.

You have lots of options these days when you select a dog house for your dog. Spend some time to do the research and choose the best dog house for your dog. Your grateful pet will thank you.